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I love music. I haven’t met someone who doesn’t. I think that music opens the mind to enter a mental space that is focused and clear. I thought it would be cool to share my favorite playlists throughout the year to introduce you to new music. I would love if you would comment your favorite playlist down below!

I have listened to pop music all my life. However, new pop music isn’t my taste and it can be hard to find the true gems. Pop Chillout holds 75 songs that are changed around every couple of weeks (I believe). I love this playlist because it, primarily, keeps a chill vibe without overwhelming my ears with over-the-top EDM or rap. It isn’t that I don’t like those genres, it is just hard to work with that kind of music, for me. I find that I can focus in on my work and enjoy the music.

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This is going to sound awful but this concert was the worst experience I have had and now I know why people spend an arm and leg to get the good seats/spots. I went to see Ellie Goulding back in June before I left for Italy and have been excited since November 2015. I was happy to know that she would be the first big performer I would get the chance to see. I loved the wonderful concerts I had been to before because they were intimate. Unfortunately, this was not that case. My sister and I stood in the center rows on the side section. I was not that happy that I wasn’t close but would be happy to see Ellie. Her concert began and she appeared. Unfortunately, I couldn’t see her but saw her on the large screen that the venue had. I couldn’t help but remember my mom’s words, “You can just watch them on TV.” Essentially, I had done just that, watch her on the large screen that had close ups of her and some wider shots every now and then. What didn’t help were these four people who were dancing and moving the whole time to the point where I was about to say something.

This might come off harsh and it isn’t meant to be but if I am paying money to see a concert, I expect to be able to see them, even if they are on a TV screen. I could see her every now and then from afar. I just didn’t appreciate that these people were drinking and making a spectacle of themselves, blocking the very few shots I had to see Ellie on stage. I was not happy the whole night even when she sang some of my favorite songs. I just couldn’t avoid these people in front of me. They were also not accommodating to the people who were trying to get by.

I think my bad experience is a mix of the people and the fact that I would just like everyone to be civil and not make a show of their own to where they feel like they are the center of attention. I told my sister that the next time Ellie Goulding is in town that we will pay for those tickets to stand in the pit and I might be standing like a statue because I don’t like to be touched, but I will deal with it to have a more intimate viewing of my favorite artists. I will say that I felt like there was still this wall between Ellie and her fans because she only went into details about her personal stories, one about her friend, and one other time I can’t remember. I just wish she had more I could relate to on a human level. I really connect to artists when I can hear more about their life, experiences, and moments that we are not present for. I might be asking too much as an audience member and fan, but I wanted to connect.

So, there you have it, my worst concert experience. Let me know down below what your best or worst experience has been. I want to hear it!

I cannot express how excited I am to tell all of you that I am going to see Ellie Goulding next year! I told my sister that if she ever came to town that we would go see her, no matter what. I finally got my wish and my sister has graciously purchased both of our tickets. I cannot wait and I am so excited for Ellie to perform. Out of her songs, so far, from Delerium, I like “On My Mind” and “Love Me Like You Do”.

I think that Delerium is more upbeat compared to Halcyon. I think that it is an interesting change of pace and I am excited to keep listening to her new songs to find out which ones I like most.

If you also want to see her, click HERE. The pre-sale just passed this Friday, so there are a lot of seats gone. Best of luck to get the best seats.

Photos taken by my sister and myself unless otherwise noted! You can enlarge all the images to view them! Location: The Fillmore in Charlotte, NC | August 7, 2015

I will say that Christina Perri is honestly the coolest concert to go to! I cannot express enough how emotional and life changing watching her perform really was. Christina is on tour with Colbie Caillat right now but Ms. Caillat had another engagement (I think) and I was disappointed at first but it couldn’t have been better! I got to see two new duos that are hitting the music scene and they are Michael and Marisa and High Dive Heart. So, I shall start this by going in order of appearance!

They were the first duo up and their sound is really nice and fresh even if it does fit in with today’s pop. I really like their sound! I think that as an opening act that (maybe) not many people have heard of I was already bopping along to their music and enjoying each song they played. I really like “Doesn’t Bother Me”, “Little Voices”, and “Run Like Water” are my favorites so far and I am so excited to see what else they have in store. I do know that they are not new to the music scene by any means but they are new to me and I love it.

High Dive Heart consists of Jason Reeves and Nelly Joy who are the nicest and most humble couple in the music industry that I have ever had the chance to see and experience. I remember that Nelly mentioned multiple times how grateful her and Jason were about Christina Perri inviting them to tour. I feel like they have an Angus and Julia Stone vibe and are deep and meaningful and also really fun. They are heavily inspired by the 60’s both in music and style. Not to mention that they were so happy that my sister and I were, literally, the last ones waiting in line to meet them. My sister and I bought their EP and picture, they signed both! I can honestly say that I will make it a mission to see them every time they come to town. My favorite songs by them so far are “Wild Ride”, “Death of Me”, and “Vintage”.

Tears. I cried throughout the whole concert and that isn’t an exaggeration. My sister found it silly but it was just so magical to see Christina Perri. My sister and I were standing in the front about four-ish rows back, if that, it was general admission. Christina Perri shared stories with us about how she experienced times when she wanted to give up but persevered and that we can all make it in the world. I will not forget when she sang “I Believe” and she had everyone chant “This is not the end of me, this is the beginning” and it inspired me so much. Songs that had me so teary-eyed I could barely see were “A Thousand Years”, “Human”, “Jar of Hearts”, and “Arms”. I feel renewed and will always think about her concert when I am having a rough time because I am going to need the support, even if Christina Perri never knows. I love that her piano had cool LED lights that went along with the beat of the music at the most climactic points. My sister wasn’t able to get any shots of the cool backdrop but if you can see the white curtain, there are lights behind it and it created a beautiful ambiance that complimented Christina’s songs.

This concert changed my life for the better and I would hope that there is an artist out there who changes you to the point of tears because that is so powerful. I feel like I have been with Christina on her journey from the demo that played on So You Think You Can Dance in 2010 to now where she is going on tour and living her dream.

Huge thanks to my sister for taking me to see Christina Perri on The Girls Night Out, Boys Can Come Too Tour! I loved every second even when my social anxious self didn’t like being surrounded by so many people.

Jessie J looks stunning! I love it when a celebrity can really step out into the spotlight with a great outfit that isn’t going to get publicity for being too revealing. Black is a color that looks great on anyone and with Jessie J, this really stands out because it sparkles! I do wish Jessie had gone with a brighter lip but the plum color looks great too without making the whole outfit turn into an inspired punk/goth look.

Stop the presses because Taylor Swift has probably worn the look that I love the most! Clearly, I love mermaids, but to see a gown that is beautifully done without being literal is amazing! The transition of colors is subtle and the shoes add a really nice pop of color. I think that the earrings are structured, which is nice, without overwhelming this gown. #MermaidForever

Okay, a lot of what celebrities are wearing is pantsuits or masculine clothing, which looks really nice and structured but what I love about Gwen Stefani is that the top is different. An asymmetrical-like bodice that has a really cool pattern and ankle cut hem, plus, those shoes that are ready to poke someone’s eye out. I also love that her hair is pulled back so it really shows off her shoulders.

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The magic wonders of Pandora. I don’t know how I would find half of the artists I know now without Pandora. I remember getting into a slump with my Lana del Rey station because I didn’t know about the station seeds section. This is kind of a PSA for all of you, in case you are getting tired of Pandora, worry not! Also, I am not sponsored by Pandora, I am sure they have tons of money, I am just trying to help you guys out because I know I cannot listen to the same music when I am working. When I was still at my old college I would get really tired so I started to add more station seeds.

Station seeds are in your station details where you can add any artist that you want.

For example, I have my Lana del Rey station and in the mix they play a song by Haim. I add Haim to my station seeds and it plays more Haim and other artists along with anyone who is affliated in genre to Lana del Rey.

I think that the best way for someone to get new music without losing their favorites is to add an artist every two weeks or month, depending on how often you listen to your Pandora stations. I have about twenty or more station seeds because I am all about variety, though my Lana del Rey station is more of a depressing one, but it really mellows me out after a long day.

Also, this helps you de-clutter all of those stations that you don’t listen to. Yeah, you can totally create a mix but if you listen to that mix a ton, why not just combine to make it one channel? You can also change the name of your station to something like “Awesome Mix #1” (high five if you know that reference).

So, there you have it folks, get to those station seeds and listen to more amazing artists!

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Iggy Azalea is an Australian-born rapper who has made a splash onto the music scene with her first big hit in the states “Fancy” feat. Charlie XCX. Iggy has no qualms about showing her curvy figure and more power to her. Above is a picture from her “Black Widow” music video shoot. I chose body hugging pieces that had a statement.

-Swanky Mermaid

p.s. I can’t figure out how to get the picture to appear rather than the link. If you have any idea, let me know!

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Lana Del Rey is a singer who is amazing with her extremely personal lyrics. I love that she has kind of like a bohemian princess without being too hippy. She has an air about her that is both mysterious and warm. Lana Del Rey inspired me to pic a hair style and two red carpet dresses. I think that such a free flowing, whimsical person would wear this. I could have gone with an old Hollywood glamour kind of look but she is very bohemian chic to me. Enjoy!